Version July 2025
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What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care for a health problem.
What is a multiple sclerosis relapse? —
Multiple sclerosis, or "MS," is an autoimmune disease. Normally, the immune system works as the body's infection-fighting system. It protects the body by attacking and killing germs and other cells that could cause sickness.
When a person has an autoimmune disease, the immune system starts to attack the body's healthy cells by mistake. In MS, the immune system attacks and damages nerve cells and their connections in the brain, eye, and spinal cord.
A "relapse" is when MS symptoms flare up or get worse. It is also sometimes called an MS "attack" or "exacerbation." Symptoms can include:
●Numbness, tingling, and feeling "pins and needles"
●Muscle weakness or spasms
●Vision problems, eye pain, and odd eye movements
●Feeling dizzy or off balance
●Trouble walking or speaking
●Problems controlling the bowels or bladder
●Sensitivity to heat, which can make symptoms worse
●Headache, seizures, or altered consciousness – "Altered consciousness" might involve confusion, changes in mood, trouble staying awake, or seeming "out of it."
●Feeling very tired, depressed, or less active than usual
●Trouble with thinking, attention, learning, language, or memory
The most common type of MS in children is called "relapsing-remitting." With this type, symptoms come and go. Between relapses, symptoms usually get a lot better. But they don't always go away completely. Sometimes, the symptoms continue, and might be more or less severe. Relapses can be different for different people.
If your child has MS, see their doctor regularly and make sure that they take their medicines. It's also important to be aware of new or worsening symptoms so your child can get help.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also:
●Make sure that your child takes all of their medicines as instructed:
•MS attacks are usually treated with steroid medicines over several days. These can be given by IV or as pills.
•The child should also keep taking their regular medicines as usual. These can help manage symptoms and lower the risk of relapse.
●Encourage good "sleep hygiene." This involves going to bed and getting up at the same time each day. It also means removing things from the bedroom that make it harder to fall asleep, such as light, noise, and screens.
●Have your child work with a physical therapist, if their doctor recommended this. Getting regular physical activity is good for overall health.
●Have your child go to the bathroom on a schedule if they have trouble controlling their bladder or bowels.
●Follow the doctor's instructions about vaccines. This is important for staying healthy.
●Try to stay positive and support your child. Ask their school for extra help if needed.
What follow-up care does my child need? —
Your child's doctor will tell you when to come back for a follow-up appointment. It's very important for your child to go to all of their medical appointments and tests.
It's also important for your child to see the doctor regularly, even when they are not having a relapse. The doctor will ask the child about how they are feeling and make changes to their treatment if needed. Some children also work with other professionals, like a psychiatrist or an "occupational therapist."
When should I call the doctor? —
Call your child's doctor or nurse for advice if:
●Their symptoms come back or get worse after a relapse.
●They have new symptoms.
●Their medicines are causing bothersome side effects.
●They are struggling with depression or anxiety.
●They are having trouble at school.
Patient education: Multiple sclerosis in children (The Basics)
